or maybe get the 3 month guardian visa and then get on a course and Ed visa. This kind of visa can be done in country currently. But check details first to make sure.
If the elite visa isn't something you want to pay out for and the guardian visa isn't suitable, then consider taking on some study course which can get you an Ed visa.
With the current situation you most likely can't get one outside of Thailand at this time..but if you can get in on another temp visa (phuket sandbox tourist visa, for example), then you could apply for an Ed visa course when in the country. Expect to pay more than normal though (around 39k per course), but you can study Thai language or some other course and get a long term visa.
Maybe someone else can help with info. I'm just trying to come up with an alternative idea ..but not sure if will work for you or not